The Xiaomi 15 recently went official in China. The company’s latest base flagship improves upon its predecessor with spec upgrades and design changes while retaining the compact form factor.
The base Xiaomi flagship is positioned as an alternative to base iPhone and Galaxy S since the 13th gen model. This time around, it has a Chinese competitor in the form of Vivo X200 Pro Mini.
However, unlike any of the aforementioned products, the Xiaomi 15 is offered in a whopping 28 color options. There’s no other phone on the market with these many options.
So what are these colors and how can you buy one of your choice? Let’s find out in this article.
The Xiaomi 15 comes in 4 standard colors. These are White, Black, Green, and Purple.
These are lighter shades and do not stand out compared to other colors. However, these are the original colors of the phone and will be available in higher quantities.
Additionally, there’s also a 5th standard color called Liquid Silver. This color is inspired by the Mi 6 Mercury Silver Edition.
Though it sounds like a limited color, Xiaomi has listed it in the standard section. Thus, we believe there could be more units of it.
2. Diamond Limited Edition Colors
This version of Xiaomi 15 will more likely be in limited supply. As the name suggests, it actually has an eco-cultivated 57-facet diamond embedded on its side.
Whereas the back panel is made of nano-tech vegan leather with a crocodile scale-like texture. The product comes in 3 colors, namely White, Gray, and Orange. The camera island is also complemented with a silver sparkling texture.
The handset ships with a matching cardholder and passport holder made of the same material as its rear.
3. Custom Edition Colors
This variant of Xiaomi 15 is akin to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip Bespoke Edition. Customers can choose from 20 different colors.
The primary colors include Pink, Green, Red, Blue, Orange, and Purple. The other hues are variations of these.
The chosen color can be further paired with either a silver or black frame. So theoretically, there are 40 combinations to choose from.
This version of the smartphone is exclusive to Xiaomi’s official online store. Unsurprisingly, the shipping time should be longer for it.
4. Global Availability
Xiaomi is not known to release all colors outside mainland China. We expect the same for Xiaomi 15 whenever it hits overseas markets.
In fact, not all standard colors may reach every market, let alone the limited edition. Even if the company decides to launch other colors, they should be available in a limited fashion in select regions.
So the only way to get the desired variant outside China is by importing via a known person or reseller.
Huawei’s P-series of flagship phones are known for offering a remarkable photography experience. Earlier this year, the company rebranded its P-series by launching the Pura 70 series instead of the P70 lineup. While the brand is currently working on the launch of the Mate 70 series, which is expected to debut later this month, a new leak by tipster Digtial Chat Station has spilt new details about the Pura 80 series.
Huawei Pura 80 series’ initial details leaked
The Pura 80 series is set to stand out with its advanced periscope telephoto lens, marking a significant upgrade from previous models. This new addition is expected to offer users unparalleled zoom capabilities. The tipster further revealed that the Pura 80 lineup will be announced in the second quarter of 2025.
The Pura 70 series had previously garnered attention with its one-inch retractable lens, which significantly improved image quality and maintained a sleek, lightweight design. Building on the success of the Pura 70 series, which was celebrated for its ultra-high-speed shooting and super light-gathering macro telephoto capabilities, the Pura 80 series is expected to continue this legacy with additional features that promise even better camera performance.
According to the recent leaks, the Pura 80 series will utilize the top-tier OmniVision OV50X sensor. This sensor is renowned for its large photosensitive area and LOFIC technology, which ensures better light detail capture in high-brightness scenes. This means that photos taken with the Pura 80 series will have more accurate lighting and color representation, closely mirroring real-life visuals.
Huawei’s commitment to innovation in imaging technology is evident in both the Pura 70 and 80 series. By integrating ultra-high-speed shooting, advanced macro capabilities, and the new periscope telephoto lens, Huawei aims to provide users with a superior photography experience. Like the Pura 70 series, the next-generation Pura series may include the Pura 80, Pura 80 Pro, Pura 80 Pro+, and Pura 80 Ultra.
Oppo has recently launched the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro smartphones in China. The Dimensity 9400-powered flagship phones are expected to debut in other markets later this month. Meanwhile, the brand is also said to be working on the Find X8 Ultra model for the Chinese market. While it is expected to debut in January 2025, the rumor mill has already been leaking details about it. Today, tipster Digital Chat Station released a new Weibo post to share some details about the display and cameras of the Ultra variant.
Oppo Find X8 Ultra’s display and camera details tipped
As can be seen in the above screenshot, the tipster is seen talking about a forthcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite (SM8750)-powered smartphone. While he has not specified the name of the phone, it is evident that he could be talking about the Find X8 Ultra as he has mentioned that the said is equipped with a Hasselblad camera system.
According to the tipster, the engineering prototype of the Find X8 Ultra features a micro-quad-curved screen. It has a 6.82-inch BOE X2 LTPO OLED panel that offers a 2K+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Likely, it could be equipped with the same display that’s available on the OnePlus 13.
He revealed that the X8 Ultra’s camera system remains unchanged, featuring a one-inch primary camera, a pair of periscope telephoto lenses with minor focal length variations. The same source revealed in a previous leak that the X8 Ultra has 3x and 6x periscope telephoto cameras. Additionally, a Hasselblad multi-spectral sensor has been added. The X8 Ultra will also have a single-point ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and an IP68/69 rating for water and dust resistance.
The X8 Ultra is expected to face competition from the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Honor Magic 7 Ultimate, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and the Vivo X200 Ultra. While the X8 and X8 Pro will be released globally, there’s no clarity on whether the X8 Ultra will be released outside of China. As far as the Chinese market is concerned, the company is also expected to announce the Find X8 Mini handset alongside the Ultra model in January 2025.
Following leaks detailing the standard Mate 70, reliable tech leaker Digital Chat Station has shed light on specifications for the Pro variant. The leak reveals details on the phone’s display, camera, battery, and more.
Huawei Mate 70 Pro Specifications
The Pro model is expected to feature a large, curved LTPO display measuring 6.88 inches in size, and 1.5K in resolution with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and 3D ToF technology for secure facial recognition.
For added security, the Mate 70 Pro is expected to have an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, which should offer improved security and durability compared to the Mate 60 Pro‘s optical solution.
The camera system on the Pro model appears particularly noteworthy. The leak suggests a 50MP main sensor with a large 1/1.3-inch size and a variable aperture. The main lens is said to utilize either OV50H or the newer OV50K40. The latter is the first smartphone camera sensor with TheiaCel technology that leverages the LOFIC capabilities.
Beyond the main sensor, a significant upgrade could be coming to the telephoto capabilities. The Mate 70 Pro might employ a 50MP periscope lens with a 1/2.5-inch sensor, offering 3.5x optical zoom and a dedicated telephoto macro mode. It would be a step up from the Mate 60 Pro’s 48MP periscope camera.
Additionally, the leak suggests support for both wired and wireless charging, along with water and dust resistance. While the battery capacity is still unknown, DCS hints at a silicon battery with less than 6,000mAh.
It’s worth noting that Digital Chat Station has since deleted the post of the leak. The original post also contains a note stating that the information is sourced from the supply chain and may be inaccurate. So, take these details with a pinch of salt.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is designed as an affordable entry into the 5G market, making it an attractive option for users on a budget. Having used the Galaxy A16 5G for a considerable amount of time, I’ve come to understand its place in Samsung’s lineup. Priced at Rs 18,999 (~$225) for the base model, it’s not the cheapest option but certainly among the more budget-friendly 5G devices available in India.
The Galaxy A16 5G comes in a minimalist white box, lacking any accessories other than a USB Type-C cable and a SIM ejector tool. It’s notable for being free from plastic packaging, a nice eco-conscious touch. In terms of design, it’s a typical Samsung phone. The back features a glossy plastic finish. The phone has a flat frame, rounded corners, and a simple, ergonomic feel that’s easy to hold. The back houses a vertical triple-camera setup, a signature Samsung design element.
There’s a bulge on the right edge that features the volume rocker and a power key. The top edge of the phone has a secondary microphone, while its bottom edge features the main microphone, a USB-C port, and a speaker grille. The SIM slot is placed on the left spine of the device. It is worth noting that the display glass isn’t specified. When it comes to durability, the phone promises IP54-rated dust and water resistance.
One of the highlights of the Galaxy A16 5G is its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display that supports an FHD+ resolution. It’s bright enough for outdoor use, although it doesn’t get as dazzling as some higher-end phones. The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smooth. There’s a selfie camera notch on the screen, which may not be desirable on a sub-Rs 20,000 phone.
Samsung Galaxy A16 5GSamsung Galaxy A16 5G
One thing to note is that there’s no HDR support, so you won’t get the best experience when streaming HDR content. However, the Widevine L1 certification ensures you can enjoy Full HD streams from platforms like Netflix. The audio output from the single bottom-firing speaker is satisfactory for casual media consumption but lacks depth in music playback due to the absence of stereo speakers.
3. Performance and Software
AnTuTu, Geekbench, CPU Throttle
Dimensity 6300
LPDDR4x RAM | up to 8GB virtual RAM
Variants: 8GB+128GB | 8GB+256GB
Android 14 | One UI 6.1.1
5,000mAh battery | 25W charging
While other markets are treated to the Exynos 1330-powered Galaxy A16 5G, the Indian variant ships with the Dimensity 6300. This chip powers smartphones priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000 from various brands in India, and the Galaxy A16 5G with the Dimensity 6300 promises reliable performance.
Day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming are handled without much trouble. However, I did notice some stuttering and lag when pushing the phone harder with demanding games. Thankfully, the device ships with 8 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of storage in India. There’s a hybrid SIM slot for adding a microSD card on to the device. The above image shows how the A16 performed on benchmarking platforms.
The 5,000mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day with moderate use. The 25W fast charging is reasonably quick, taking a little over an hour to fully charge the phone. Speaking of software, the Galaxy A16 5G runs Android 14 with One UI 6.1, the latest version of Samsung’s custom Android skin, packed with features. However, the phone lacks some flagship features like Galaxy AI, which is currently only available on Samsung’s flagship offerings.
The major highlight of the A16 5G is its confirmed six years of Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates. This level of software support is almost unheard of in this price segment. It gives me confidence that the A16 5G will stay up-to-date for years to come.
The camera system on the A16 5G is basic but gets the job done. The 50-megapixel main camera captures decent photos in daylight with good detail and natural colours. However, the dynamic range is limited, and the processing can be a bit aggressive.
The Portrait mode offers a slider to adjust the level of background blur. However, there is no 2x zoom option available in portrait mode. The main camera performs surprisingly well in low-light conditions, capturing good shots as long as there is sufficient light. As far as video recording is concerned, it is capped at 1080p. Interestingly, the phone supports up to 4K recording using the Open Camera app.
The 5-megapixel ultrawide camera samples lack detail and suffer from noticeable distortion at the edges. The 2-megapixel macro camera is more of a novelty than a useful tool. The 13-megapixel selfie camera takes acceptable photos, but don’t expect anything extraordinary.
The Galaxy A16 5G offers good haptics and there is a vibrator intensity option, which allows you to adjust the intensity level. It also comes with support for NFC, which is a nice addition. For security, the device is equipped with a side-facing fingerprint sensor, which functions perfectly.
5. Verdict and Competitors
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a decent choice for budget-minded consumers looking for a 5G device with impressive longevity. Its extended software support ensures years of updates, and the capable processor handles everyday tasks with ease. While the camera system and display may not be best-in-class, they are certainly adequate for the price point. The A16 5G’s strengths lie in its long-term usability and reliable performance, making it a practical option for those seeking a dependable mid-range 5G phone.
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G price in India
The Galaxy A16 5G has arrived in India in the following options:
8GB+128GB: Rs 18,999 (~$225)
8GB+256GB: Rs 21,999 ($260)
In the overcrowded price segment between Rs 17,000 and Rs 23,000, the Galaxy A16 5G faces a lot of competition from the likes of the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, Moto G85, Realme 13 Pro 5G, Realme 13+ 5G, Realme P2 Pro 5G, iQOO Z9s 5G, Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G, HMD Crest Max, and Lava Agni 3 5G, to name a few.
The launch of the Redmi K80 series seems imminent. While Xiaomi hasn’t officially begun teasing the phone yet, a recent live stream on Douyin (China’s TikTok) by Redmi’s General Manager, Wang Teng, has spilled some key details about the upcoming device.
The live video offered a first glimpse of the Redmi K80 Pro’s front design, revealed its AnTuTu benchmark score, and even hinted at its price point.
Redmi K80 Pro Performance and No More “E” Variant
The live stream showcased the Redmi K80 Pro achieving a score of over 3 million points on AnTuTu 10, all while maintaining a room temperature operation with a maximum recorded temperature of 49°C.
The image also hinted at a metal frame for the phone. Interestingly, two other unnamed phones were displayed alongside the K80 Pro, scoring 2.73 million and 2.83 million points respectively. While a respectable performance, the winner is pretty clear here.
Wang Teng also confirmed that the K80 series will leverage the HyperOS 2 system, specifically customized for enhanced gaming performance, improved touch response, and potentially new system animations.
Another noteworthy detail revealed during the stream was the confirmation of a return to the dual flagship strategy for the Redmi K series. This means we’ll see a standard Redmi K80 and a K80 Pro, with no successor to the budget-oriented Redmi K70E.
Redmi K80 Pro Price
Perhaps the most interesting information came in the form of price hints. Wang Teng suggested that the Redmi K80 Pro will offer superior specifications compared to the “yellow” competitor’s 13th model, most likely referencing the iQOO 13. Additionally, he hinted at a price tag lower than the “red” competitor’s 13th model, likely the OnePlus 13.
For context, the iQOO 13 (12GB RAM + 256GB storage) retails for 3999 yuan (approximately USD 559), while the OnePlus 13 starts at 4499 yuan (approximately US 630). So the Redmi K80 Pro could fall below the 4,000 yuan mark.
This Black Friday, CrealityFalcon offers some of its best deals on the Falcon2 series, including the powerful Falcon2 Pro 22W and Falcon2 Pro 40W laser engraving machines. These machines are ideal for both hobbyists and professionals who need precision and high performance, and this year’s Black Friday deals make it easier than ever to invest in top-tier laser engraving equipment. Here’s a complete buying guide to help you navigate the deals, discounts, and additional bonuses available this season.
During the Black Friday promotion, CrealityFalcon is offering deep discounts across various regions:
22W Model: Up to 52% off in the EU and DE regions and up to 48% off in the US and UK.
40W Model: Discounts up to 49% off in the US, 41% off in the UK, and 38% off in DE, with region-specific price reductions on CrealityFalcon’s official and partner stores.
Check specific discounts based on your region through Product links to make sure you’re getting the best deals.
Exclusive Offers andFree Gifts
In addition to direct discounts, CrealityFalconis offering a tiered system of gifts based on the amount you spend. The more you invest in your laser engraving setup, the more valuable the gifts you’ll receive. Here’s what you can expect:
Spend $299: Get 6 pieces of Rosewood Plywood.
Spend $599: Receive 4 stainless steel cups and 10 pieces of Basswood Plywood.
Spend $899: Enjoy a large consumable bundle to keep your projects going.
Spend $1799: Receive a bonus 5W laser engraving machine.
These gifts add significant value to your purchase, making it easier to get started or expand your engraving capabilities without additional costs.
Weekly Giveaways and Special Offers
During the Black Friday season, CrealityFalcon will host weekly giveaways every Friday, providing customers with a chance to win exclusive prizes. This additional incentive makes the Black Friday sale even more attractive for those looking to get involved in the laser engraving community.
How to Maximize Your Savings
Use Discount Codes: Enter specific discount codes like FNPALL10 or FALCON15 (depending on your region and model) to secure additional savings.
Purchase from Regional Links: Ensure you’re using the correct regional links to access Black Friday promotions available in your country.
Check Social Media: CrealityFalcon’s Facebook group and social media channels offer updates and details about giveaways, exclusive codes, and upcoming promotions.
Why Buy Creality Falcon2 Pro: A Powerful Laser Engraver and Cutter
The Creality Falcon2 Pro 40W laser engraver and cutter is a top-tier solution for hobbyists, business owners, and anyone interested in creating detailed custom designs. Designed with high-performance capabilities and exceptional safety features, the Falcon2 Pro offers a versatile platform to tackle engraving, cutting, and a wide range of creative projects.
High-Precision and Power
The Creality Falcon2 Pro comes with a robust 40W laser module, allowing for impressive cutting power and perfect engraving capabilities. It’s also compatible with a 22W module and includes an additional 1.6W module for fine details, enhancing flexibility for projects that require different levels of precision. This versatility means the Falcon2 Pro can handle various materials and thicknesses, from wood and acrylic to leather and other textiles.
Built-in Top Camera for Precision
Precision is a crucial element for any engraving project, and the Falcon2 Pro excels in this area with its built-in top camera. This camera assists with accurate alignment and provides a full-frame preview, allowing users to see exactly where the laser will operate. This feature ensures a more efficient, mistake-free process that’s ideal for batch production or highly detailed projects. The camera also supports one-click picture output for a streamlined workflow.
Advanced Safety and Monitoring
Safety is a priority in the design of the Falcon2 Pro. The machine has a fully enclosed structure with a highly transparent deep-red cover that prevents laser leakage and protects the eyes while viewing the process. Triple intelligent monitoring detects flame and dirt, with a built-in air purification system and five major safety guarantees, including a stop button for emergencies. These features make it a safe choice for both home and commercial settings.
Air Purification and Heat Dissipation
To ensure clean and smoke-free operation, the Falcon2 Pro includes an air purification system with a built-in fan. The fan can be controlled through a multi-position switch, optimizing air quality during engraving and reducing heat and smoke. For added convenience, the integrated air-assist feature allows users to adjust the airflow based on the material and project needs, improving the final engraving or cutting result.
User-Friendly Design and Functionality
The Falcon2 Pro offers a 360° visual design with a fully transparent cover, making it easy to monitor projects from all angles. The drawer design enhances organization, offering a space-efficient solution for collecting dust and debris. The machine also includes easily accessible operational buttons and a protective fence strip to further improve the user experience.
Key Specs:
Laser Power: 40W (compatible with 22W and bonus 1.6W module)
Precision: Built-in top camera for accurate alignment and preview
Air Management: Integrated air assist and air purification system
Safety Features: Fully enclosed design, triple intelligent monitoring, flame and dirt detection, and emergency stop button
Ease of Use: 360° visual design, drawer organization, and exposed operation buttons
Redmi K70 Pro is designed to deliver an impressive smartphone experience, blending high-end specs with Xiaomi’s signature affordability. This device brings together powerful processing, a high-quality display, and advanced camera technology, all powered by the latest Xiaomi Hyper OS.
Display and Design
The Redmi K70 Pro features a stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED display, ensuring vibrant colors and sharp contrasts. With a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, the screen promises smooth scrolling and high responsiveness, perfect for gaming, streaming, and everyday use. It boasts a peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, allowing clear visibility even under direct sunlight. The device covers a P3 color gamut, rendering up to 68.7 billion colors with incredible accuracy and detail, which is ideal for viewing photos, videos, and graphics.
Performance and Software
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the Redmi K70 Pro offers top-notch performance and efficiency. Paired with either 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, this processor allows users to multitask seamlessly, switching between apps without lag. Additionally, the device features up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring that users have plenty of space for apps, photos, videos, and files. With the latest Xiaomi Hyper OS, the phone also provides a fresh, fast, and user-friendly interface, optimized for connectivity and productivity on the go.
Cameras
The Redmi K70 Pro’s triple-camera setup is one of its key features. It includes a 50MP primary sensor (Sony IMX800) with optical image stabilization (OIS) to capture sharp, clear images. Additionally, an 8MP 120° ultrawide-angle camera lets users capture expansive shots, while a 2MP macro lens enables close-up photography. The 20MP front camera is great for selfies and video calls, offering clarity and detail for social media and personal use.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is another highlight of the Redmi K70 Pro. It is equipped with a robust 5000mAh battery that supports 120W fast charging. This fast-charging capability ensures minimal downtime, as users can quickly recharge and get back to their activities. This combination of a large battery and fast charging is ideal for users who are frequently on the move and rely heavily on their devices.
Additional Features
The Redmi K70 Pro includes several practical features that enhance the user experience. The phone has a substantial VC cooling area of 5000mm² to keep temperatures in check during heavy usage, ensuring steady performance. Dual stereo speakers provide a rich audio experience, and the device supports an under-display fingerprint scanner for quick, secure access. Other connectivity options include dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS, and NFC for a versatile, connected experience.
Get an incredible discount of $200 on the Redmi K70 Pro, now available for a starting price of $399 (originally $599) on Giztop. This limited-time offer lets you experience high-end features like the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a stunning 144Hz AMOLED display, and a versatile triple-camera system at an unbeatable price.
Insta360 has teamed up with BMW Motorrad to launch a special edition of its flagship 8K dual-lensed action camera, the X4. This new model was recently launched in China as a limited edition camera.
Insta360 X4 BMW Motorrad edition features
The Insta360 X4 Motorrad Edition offers the same specifications as the regular model. It has a 2.5-inch touchscreen and supports gesture and voice controls for hands-free use. The 72MP 360-degree lens system captures 8K video at 30fps and 5.7K at 60fps. For slow-motion, it can record 4K at 100fps, 5.7K at 120fps, and 3K at 240fps. It also records ultra-wide 4K video at 30fps with a 170-degree field of view and 11K time-lapse videos.
Advanced features include an invisible selfie stick, 360-degree active HDR, Me Mode, FlowState stabilization, wind noise reduction, and 360-degree horizon lock. AI editing tools make post-production easier and more efficient.
The Insta360 X4 is designed for durability, being waterproof up to 10 meters, with an optional dive case for up to 50 meters. Its 2,290mAh battery provides longer recording times than earlier models.
Pricing & availability
The Insta360 X4 Motorrad Edition is available for $519.99 and includes a carrying bag, a hard case, and two lens guards, all branded with the BMW logo. The standard edition of the X4 is currently priced at $499.99 on Amazon.
Xiaomi has launched the Stand-Style Selfie Stick Mini Version, aimed at selfie lovers and content creators. Priced at 79 yuan ($11), it includes a Bluetooth remote and a concealed tripod. Weighing only 155 grams, it extends up to 520mm, offering flexibility for various shooting angles. The selfie stick is available in Deep Space Black and Milk Tea White.
Samsung has been one of the known names in the Android tablet market. Its tablets are known for their impressive displays, sleek design, and much more. So now, here are all the reasons why Samsung tablets are just superior to most other Android tablets.
One of the standout features of Samsung tablets is their high-quality AMOLED displays. While not every model, many Samsung tablets are released with bright AMOLED screens. To recall, the South Korean tech giant is a known display maker, especially renowned for its Super AMOLED display technology. These deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks, and much more. So Galaxy Tab S series in particular offer these screens with high resolution panels.
2. Samsung’s Software Experience
Samsung offers a bunch of features that make its tablets more intuitive than the rest. Keeping aside the hardware, the brand builds its Galaxy tablets to cater to both casual and intensive users. It usually offers an ample amount of RAM and storage to handle some light gaming, multitasking, and other kind of apps. There are also other intuitive features like DeX mode. This basically allows your tablet to function as a desktop PC. DeX even enhances multitasking with multiple windows, which isn’t common in other Android tablets.
3. Samsung Ecosystem
Similar to how the iPad exists in the Apple ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy Tabs also work seamlessly with other Samsung branded products. This includes the Galaxy smartphones, Galaxy notebooks, and others. So you get an interconnected experience that makes it easy to share files, sync notifications, and switch between devices. Samsung tablets also support a wide range of accessories like the S Pen, which provides a high level of precision and versatility for note-taking, drawing, and even video editing. So Galaxy Tabs aren’t meant for more than just entertainment.
4. Conclusion
Samsung has a strong lineup of tablets that range from budget to premium models. While these might not always seem like the best package in terms of hardware, they have an edge with superior displays, well integrated ecosystem, and a strong lineup of accessories. Samsung builds tablets that appeal to both casual users and people that require productivity as well. Earlier this year, the brand dominated the Indian market with a massive 48 percent market share, growing in both the commercial and consumer segments. In every top tablet list, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A and Tab S series have always been on the list.
If you’re not particularly interested in tablets, you can check out the new Samsung W25 and Samsung S25 Flip series of foldable smartphones, which were just announced in China.
Motorola has filed a new patent revealing its achievements in rollable displays and fingerprint technology. Following the Moto Rizr rollable concept phone from last year, Motorola now appears to be working on a similar device but with a significant upgrade in fingerprint sensing capabilities.
According to a recent discovery by MySmartPrice, a patent listed on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website suggests that Motorola’s next rollable display device could feature full-screen fingerprint sensors, enabling users to unlock the device from any part of the screen.
Patent details: full-screen fingerprint sensing
The patent, titled “Managing consistent fingerprint-on-display (fod) location on a rollable device having multiple fod sensors,” describes a Motorola device with an advanced fingerprint authentication system across the entire display. By spreading multiple sensors across the screen, Motorola’s new device would offer flexibility in unlocking the phone from any part of the display.
Motorola’s new idea could be an evolution of the Moto Rizr, integrating full-screen fingerprint sensing as a standout feature. While this technology is still in the patent stage, the possibility of a rollable phone with all-screen unlocking capability represents a major step forward in user-friendly design.
Revisiting the Motorola Rizr concept phone
Motorola’s latest patent builds on the innovation showcased with the Motorola Rizr, a rollable concept phone that garnered attention at MWC 2023. This device featured a flexible display capable of extending from 5 inches to 6.5 inches at the tap of a button. When compact, the display wraps around the back of the phone, functioning as a secondary screen for quick updates and notifications.
Motorola-Rizr
This adaptive screen provides users with both a smaller, pocket-sized display and a larger, immersive experience, depending on their needs.
The Rizr’s design and rollable functionality could be the basis for Motorola’s new patented concept. With a device that expands, wraps around, and now, potentially, unlocks from anywhere on the screen, Motorola aims to offer unique, user-centered innovations in this increasingly competitive smartphone market.
Is Motorola’s rollable concept coming soon?
It’s important to remember that patents don’t always result in commercial products. Companies frequently patent ideas to explore new technologies, but not all concepts make it to the market. For now, Motorola has yet to confirm whether it plans to release this rollable device with full-screen fingerprint sensing.
Nonetheless, the development suggests that Motorola is keen to make rollable devices more user-friendly and versatile. If Motorola decides to bring this device to market, it could redefine how users interact with their phones.
Huawei has recently unveiled its latest tablet offering, the MatePad 11.5 (2024). This sleek device is designed to provide a premium tablet experience with a focus on productivity and entertainment.
The MatePad 11.5 sports an 11.5-inch TFT LCD display with a 2200×1440 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This high-resolution display, coupled with the 120Hz refresh rate, ensures smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. The tablet also features PaperMatte technology, which reduces glare and provides a comfortable viewing experience, especially during extended usage.
Under the hood, the MatePad 11.5 is powered by HarmonyOS 4.2, Huawei’s latest operating system. This OS brings a host of features, including SuperHub file transfer, floating multiple windows, multi-screen collaboration, and an upgraded Notes app. The Education Center feature is also included, offering tools for learning and productivity.
For capturing photos and videos, the tablet is equipped with a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. Powering the device is a 7700mAh battery that supports 30W fast charging, ensuring quick top-ups.
The MatePad 11.5 is available in three stylish color options: Island Blue, Frost Silver, and Space Gray. Pricing starts at 1699 Yuan for the base model and goes up to 2099 Yuan for the high-end PaperMatte Edition.
In other news, the Huawei Mate 70 series is expected to launch soon, with leaks revealing key details about the standard Mate 70’s specs. It may feature a 50MP main camera with a variable aperture, a 12MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a triple-lens setup. The display is rumored to be a flat 6.69-inch screen with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
AOC has launched the CU34G4Z 34-inch ultrawide gaming monitor, now available for pre-order on JD.com at a discounted price of 1,999 Yuan ($280), down from its usual 2,999 Yuan ($420). Let’s check out its key specs.
AOC CU34G4Z Specifications
The AOC CU34G4Z monitor features a 34-inch Fast HVA panel with a WQHD resolution of 3440×1440. It comes with a rapid 240Hz refresh rate and sports a 1ms GTG (gray-to-gray) response time, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming where smooth motion and quick response times are essential.
The monitor features a 1500R curvature and a 21:9 aspect ratio, providing a wide, immersive viewing experience suited for gaming and media. It comes with HDR400 support for rich color reproduction and sports a peak brightness of 400cd/m².
The monitor also includes 91% DCI-P3 and 99% sRGB color coverage with a ΔE<2 rating for enhanced color accuracy. Additionally, it equips 10-bit color depth, producing up to 1.07 billion colors for vivid visuals in both gaming and creative tasks.
The monitor is equipped with Adaptive-Sync technology to reduce screen tearing, stuttering, and ghosting, ensuring smooth visuals during fast-paced action. It also comes with specialized gaming features like Dark Boost for improved visibility in dark scenes, FPS sniper scope magnification, and a dynamic crosshair for precise targeting.
For multitaskers, the CU34G4Z supports Picture-in-Picture (PIP) and Picture-by-Picture (PBP) modes, allowing two different signal sources to be displayed simultaneously on the screen, a useful feature for gamers and professionals alike.
In terms of connectivity, the monitor has two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, a USB-B port, two USB 3.2 ports (with fast-charging capabilities), and an audio port, offering versatile options for connecting multiple devices.
The monitor comes with an ergonomic stand that supports height adjustments up to 130mm, tilt adjustments from -5° to 23°, and ±20° swivel.
AOC also recently launched a new 27-inch 2K QD-Mini LED monitor featuring a 180Hz refresh rate, HDR 1000, and a peak brightness of 1200 nits.
Apple’s iPhone 15 led global smartphone sales in the third quarter of 2024, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro close behind, based on data from Counterpoint Research. This quarter is notable as it’s the first time the Pro models made up half of all iPhone sales during a third quarter.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 stayed in the top 10 for the third quarter in a row, and it’s the first time a Galaxy S model has been in the top 10 since 2018. Altogether, the top 10 models made up 19% of all smartphone sales worldwide in Q3 2024.
Apple held four of the top 10 spots, while Samsung had five, and Xiaomi held one. This lineup hasn’t changed much since last year, showing that consumer preferences are fairly steady.
One clear trend is the growing interest in high-end smartphones, as seen by the smaller gap between the base and Pro iPhone models. Apple’s marketing, payment options, and trade-in deals have helped make the latest iPhones more available to a wider range of buyers, especially in growing markets.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 also saw good results, partly due to a focus on GenAI features that appealed to buyers. The Galaxy A series, known for its affordable pricing and long software support, took four spots in the top 10, mainly due to its popularity in growing markets and focus on affordable models.
Xiaomi’s Redmi 13C stayed in the top 10 because of its low price and better features compared to the earlier Redmi 12C model.
Overall, the iPhone 15 series led the global smartphone market in Q3 2024, driven by strong demand and new features. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 and Galaxy A series also performed well, helped by their brand reputation and range of products.
Motorola launched the Razr 50 and Razr 50 Ultra in June this year, marketed as the Motorola Razr 50 and Motorola Razr 50 Ultra. Now Motorola is rumored to be expanding the Razr 50 lineup with two additional models: the Motorola Razr 50s and Motorola Razr 50s Ultra.
Motorola Razr 50s Ultra offers a design similar to the Razr 50 Ultra
Recently, the Razr 50s Ultra was spotted on two certification platforms—Wireless Power Consortium and SGS Fimko Testing & Certification Services.
As identified by 91mobiles, the Razr 50s Ultra, with model number XT2451-6, has a design very similar to the Razr 50 Ultra. It features a rounded middle frame, a large external display, and two separate cutouts for the rear camera setup.
Credit: 91mobiles
The inner display sports a center-positioned punch-hole for the selfie camera, with slim bezels consistent with other Razr 50 series models. The volume rocker and power button are on the right side, while the SIM tray is on the left.
At the bottom are USB Type-C charging, speaker vents, and a microphone. Additionally, the lower portion of the phone has a leather finish, along with the iconic Motorola logo and Razr branding.
The listing on the Wireless Power Consortium suggests 15W wireless charging support for the Razr 50s Ultra. For context, the Razr 50 Ultra supports 45W wired charging along with 15W wireless charging, while the standard Razr 50 has slightly lower 30W wired charging with 15W wireless support.
Six variants in total
The SGS Fimko Testing & Certification Services listing reveals six variants of the Razr 50s Ultra—XT2451-1 through XT2451-6. Notably, the “Technical data” of the SGS Fimko listing mentions ’11V 4A’ indicating support for 44W fast wired charging.
Credit: 91mobiles
The Razr 50s has already been spotted on Geekbench with a single and multi-core score of over 1000 and 3000 respectively. This could be the MediaTek Dimensity 7300X chipset, which powers the standard Razr 50.
The confirmation comes alongside details on availability, key specifications, and a price point that reinforces the phone’s budget positioning. The Redmi A4 5G will be available for purchase via Xiaomi’s official site and Amazon.
Redmi A4 Specifications
As for the specs, the Redmi A4 5G is set to run on the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 SoC. In fact, its the world’s first phone to feature this chip. It also supports 5G connectivity, making it the first in the Redmi A series to support 5G.
On the front, it features a large 6.88-inch display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, while the back will be home to a dual-camera setup led by a 50-megapixel sensor.
All this will be powered by a hefty 5,160mAh battery with support for fast charging. Leaks suggest 18W wired charging might be on the table. The phone is expected to run Android 14 with Xiaomi’s custom HyperOS 1.0 skin on top.
An 8-megapixel front camera is also a possibility, along with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer.
The main draw of the Redmi A4 will be its affordable price. Xiaomi has confirmed it will be priced under Rs. 10,000 in India, and reports suggest a possible starting price of Rs. 8,499 for the base variant (4GB RAM and 128GB storage), including bank and launch offers among other discounts.
The Redmi A4 5G offers major upgrades over the A3 4G, including 5G connectivity, a faster refresh rate, and a more powerful processor. While the A3 4G was limited to a 60Hz refresh rate and an entry-level chipset with 4G support, the A4 5G sets a new benchmark in the affordable 5G market. It delivers improved performance and modern features without a significant price increase.
Xiaomi has launched the Mijia Multi-Functional Electric Steamer N1, a compact, versatile appliance for various cooking needs, including steaming, boiling, stewing, and hot pot. It is priced at 199 Yuan ($28) and is now available for pre-order on JD.com, with sales starting at 8 PM (CST) on November 10.
Mijia Electric Steamer N1 Specifications
The electric steamer boasts an impressive 13L capacity divided into two primary sections: a 3L pot for boiling and a 10L steamer. This three-layer configuration allows users to cook multiple dishes simultaneously, catering well to family meals or small gatherings.
Xiaomi has equipped this steamer with a powerful 1500W heating element, promising rapid boiling times – specifically, it can bring 2L of water to a boil in under 10 minutes. For added convenience, the appliance offers five adjustable heat levels and precise temperature control, managed by NTC sensors that ensure the correct temperature for different foods.
The steamer is highly adaptable, featuring eight preset menu options tailored for specific foods, including noodles, grains, seafood, meat, fish, eggs, and more. These presets enable users to achieve ideal textures and flavors effortlessly, making it easier to prepare various dishes without manual adjustments.
The Mijia steamer also features food-grade construction, including a 304 stainless steel steam rack and PC trays from German manufacturer Covestro for safe food preparation. It sports a non-stick pot interior for easy cleaning and residue prevention.
It comes with a detachable power cord for convenient storage and operates quietly at around 45dB. Additionally, it equips a dual anti-dry protection system, which automatically shuts off if water levels drop too low, ensuring user safety and appliance protection.
The Electric Steamer N1 is designed for user convenience, featuring a 24-hour reservation function for pre-set cooking and an 8-hour keep-warm mode to maintain food temperature. Its spacious square cooking area accommodates larger plates, like an 11.8-inch fish plate, making it ideal for larger portions. Additionally, it includes a memory function that recalls previous settings, streamlining the cooking process for frequently made dishes.
Xiaomi also recently launched a soap dispenser with a 180-day battery life and a 99.9% antibacterial rate, as well as the Mijia Fresh Air Pro air conditioner, which cools in 30 seconds and heats at temperatures as low as -35°C.
This might be the most un-iPhone-like Android flagship this year, It’s also the most well-rounded flagship of the year. Now let’s take a look and see what it’s all about.
This is the packaging box for the OnePlus 13. Let’s remove the plastic wrap and gently open it. First, we see the “NEVER SETTLE” slogan as always. After removing it, there is the phone.
Let’s power it on and put it aside for now, and see what else is inside the package. Along with the “NEVER SETTLE” slogan, there’s a warranty card and a frosted semi-transparent silicone case.
Compared to regular transparent silicone cases, it feels much better in hand and doesn’t collect fingerprints and oil easily.
Getting back to the phone itself, compared to other brands’ white frosted glass, we can see that the white frosted glass at the back has a slightly rougher texture. Other than that, the camera module is traversed by a line.
Design
This year’s blue variant features a leather-like material, it is named “Blue Hour”. The white and black versions use frosted glass, but with different texture and details. The black looks like wood grain, while the white is more ordinary.
My colleague really likes this kind of frosted, leather-like texture, because the Xiaomi 15 Pro’s shiny silver back panel usually gets ruined by his hands in just a second.
After getting the OnePlus 13, I found that the white has a sand gold effect under certain angles. In terms of the frame, both the blue and white versions are silver polished, which is more prone to fingerprints compared to the black version’s brushed texture.
The traditional three-stage switch is still here, and it still feels great. Sliding it up and down is very satisfying. I also took the OPPO Find X8 for comparison, to see how they feel in hand.
The waterproof rating has been greatly improved, from IP65 to IP69. Compared to the IP68 rating, IP69 can even prevent water impact in some cases. I believe this will be very suitable for gamers, they can run the phone through the tap water when the phone gets too hot. Just joking, I wouldn’t suggest that.This is because the equipment is not covered by the after-sales guarantee if it is damaged by water ingress.
Cameras
The sensor changes in the camera are not very significant. The front camera is 32MP with a Sony IMX615.
For the rear camera, both have the same 50MP main camera, Sony LYT-808, but the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses have changed. The sensors have been replaced with ones from Samsung and Sony, and the pixel count has also increased to 50M.
However, compared to the hardware upgrades, OnePlus has added many interesting software features. For example,
glass glare elimination,
AI removal,
and Live Photos .
Display
Judging from the release event, they are very confident in the screen. It has a 6.82-inch display, QHD+ resolution, 510 PPI, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, very high peak brightness, 10-bit color, and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, along with many other features.
There are also some great details in terms of eye protection. There are three levels of eye protection modes in the settings, that allow you to choose between eye protection and smoothness.
Performance and Battery Life
In terms of performance, there’s the Snapdragon 8 Elite, 8533Mbps memory, UFS 4.0 flash storage, nearly 10,000 square millimeters of cooling system,
a 6000mAh battery, and 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.
The hardware specs are as high as ever. In the limited time, we tested the performance of “Honkai: Star Rail” in a Divergent universe. During the test, we found that in most scenes, the frame rate was at 60 FPS.
Most of the frame drop occurred during transitions between game scenes. If I turn off the FPS counter, I might not even notice the lag actually. But what surprised me more was its power efficiency.
In this gaming mode, the power consumption was only an average of 4.44W, and a 21 minutes of gameplay only consumes 7% of the battery, with very little heating. If you lower some of the graphics and turn on the balanced mode, its power efficiency will be even better.
Charging speed has always been a strong point of Chinese phones. So, I tested the OnePlus 13’s compatibility with PD/PPS chargers. In the end, we found that it can charge at a maximum speed of 30W. So, what do you think of this speed?
Conclusion
Finally, let’s talk about its price. When we see the specs, OnePlus seems to focus more on performance and display. The starting price is 4499 RMB, about 631 USD, and the top configuration, the 24G+1T is 5999 RMB, about 842 USD.
This is basically close to the price of the Xiaomi 15 standard version. But considering the bootloader unlock being the easiest one, perhaps the OnePlus 13 is also worth buying. What do you think?
While rugged cases once served a clear purpose, they may no longer be the best choice for most users. Smartphones are becoming more durable with each passing year as manufacturers invest in better designs and stronger materials. So here’s why rugged cases don’t make sense anymore.
Smartphone makers are using tougher and premium materials on their new smartphones, especially the higher end models. Buyers typically buy rugged cases for smartphones that they’ve spent a lot on. However, these devices feature Corning’s Gorilla Glass technology, ceramic shield, and metallic frames like aluminum or even titanium.
There are even waterproof covers being sold, but most flagships arrive with an IP68 rating that confirms a dust tight design, serving being submerged under up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. So adding a bulky rugged case is just overkill and takes the appeal away from a well-designed smartphone.
2. Bulky Cases Are Inconvenient
Putting on a rugged case can lead to the smartphone becoming almost twice as thick. It also makes the device heftier as well. Premium phones can weigh over 200 grams, so these extra durable cases just make them as heavy as a brick (not literally). Flagship smartphones are built with sleek bodies and extreme precision, and a bulky case just ruins all of its appeal. People go for these cases to keep their smartphones as good as new, but what’s the point of owning such a device if you never get to enjoy it. Some would argue that it helps retain the resale value, although not a lot of people avail such deals.
3. When Rugged Case Actually Make Sense
While rugged cases don’t make sense for everyone, they are ideal for people who work in rough environments or those who frequently take their phones on rugged outdoor adventures. In these situations, the added protection may be worth the trade-offs. But for most users, a standard case with basic drop protection offers more than enough safety for everyday use. We can even consider people with butter fingers to be fair. If you’re one of those who constantly drop their phones, you might as well get the extra protection.
4. Conclusion
Unless you work in tough environments or are struggling with large phones, a rugged case might not be necessary for you. Modern smartphones are built to last and a simple slimmer case might help you save on those annoying dents and scratches. You can save yourself from a bulky armored phone and just choose a simple lighter case that doesn’t take away from the phone’s sleek design. If you want to read more hot takes, click here to check out why flip phones are better than iPhones.
Huawei’s Mate 70 series is expected to launch later this month, and leaks are revealing the specs of the new phones. A recent leak from industry insider Digital Chat Station (DCS) has revealed display and camera specifications for the standard Mate 70, hinting at key upgrades while retaining some features from its predecessor.
According to the tipster, the standard Mate 70 might stick with a similar camera setup to its predecessor. The main attraction seems to be a large 50MP 1/1.5-inch sensor with variable aperture.
The latter tech allows users to control the amount of light entering the sensor, leading to more creative control over blur and overall image quality.
Another familiar element appears to be the 12MP periscope telephoto lens, likely offering 5x optical zoom. All in all, the leak suggests a triple-lens camera system for the standard Mate 70.
Moving on to the display, the standard Mate 70 might ditch the curved edges for a more traditional flat 6.69-inch screen. This could be accompanied by a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Huawei Mate 70 render surfaces
Renders of the Mate 70 have also surfaced on Weibo, suggesting that the phone might draw design inspiration from the Mate 50, featuring a centered circular camera bump. However, this comes from an unconfirmed source, so take this with a pinch of salt.
Beyond the leaks on the display and camera, rumors suggest wireless charging support and dust and water resistance for the Mate 70 series.
One detail remains up in the air: 3D face recognition. While some fans might have hoped for its inclusion across all models, the leak suggests Huawei might reserve it for the higher-end variants, similar to their previous strategy.
It’s important to remember that these are just leaks, and official confirmation from Huawei is still pending. We’ll have to wait for the official launch to get the complete picture of the Mate 70 series’ specifications.
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